AE4RIA – Alliance of Excellence for Research and Innovation on Αephoria participated in the 5th RETASTE International Conference, “Rethink Food Resources, Losses, and Waste,” held at Harokopio University of Athens from 24–27 September 2025. Representing AE4RIA, Ginevra Coletti, researcher and PhD student at the University of Ferrara and visiting PhD student at AE4RIA, presented the paper:
“Incentivizing Agroecological Practices in Greece: Insights from CAP 2023–2027 Strategic Plan and Scenario Projections with the FABLE Calculator,” co-authored with Professor Dr. Phoebe Koundouri, Theo Benos, Konstantinos Dellis, Theofanis Zacharatos, PhD, and Chris Deranian.
The study uses the FABLE Calculator – a scenario modelling tool developed by the FABLE Consortium, a global network of research organizations designing national food and land-use pathways aligned with global sustainability goals. Through collaborative “Scenathons,” shared methodologies, and open modelling tools, FABLE promotes learning and policy innovation across countries.
The research examines how agroecological practices—particularly organic farming and cover crops—can contribute to more sustainable and climate-resilient food systems in Greece within the framework of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2023–2027. Greece provides a compelling test case for Southern Europe, given its fragmented land ownership, heterogeneous agro-climatic conditions, and historically limited institutional support for agricultural innovation.
Using FABLE’s long-term projections (2020–2050), the study assesses how scaling up these practices could affect environmental and productivity outcomes. The simulations indicate that while expanding organic farming may involve trade-offs due to lower yields, cover cropping provides clear environmental and productivity benefits—improving soil health, enhancing carbon sequestration, and reducing dependence on external inputs. Aligning these practices with national climate targets could bring Greek agriculture significantly closer to net-zero emissions by 2045.
The conference provided an important platform to exchange ideas and highlight AE4RIA’s commitment to advancing evidence-based approaches to sustainable food systems and climate adaptation.
